2013 Ducati Diavel (Carbon) | Preview

When Ducati unveiled the Diavel in 2011, the model was essentially an assault weapon with one target in its crosshairs – the power-cruiser market.

This was new territory for the Bologna-based manufacturer, and the Diavel quickly gained recognition, bringing Ducati’s underlying image of performance to a new audience.

The model’s assault apparently worked, Ducati claiming that the Diavel, which is local Borgo Panigale dialect for “devil,” pronounced dee-ah-vel, is now one of the company’s most desired models.

Not too worried about changing the Diavel’s design, the model returned as a carryover in 2012, though with addition of special editions, such as the Chromo and AMG (before the Audi takeover).

And for 2013, Ducati once again returns with the Diavel as a carryover model, but with some new color schemes in the two models produced – the Carbon and standard.

The 2013 Diavel Carbon arrives exclusively in carbon red and black, and the standard in three new color versions: Diavel Dark in matte black with black-finished components, and two “street-sport” schemes that introduce metallic blue or Ducati red with stylish white stripes, white wheels and special defining features.

As of this writing, the MSRP was not released for the 2013 Ducati Diavel, but expect to pay around $18,000 for the standard, and $19,000 for the Carbon.

The 1198cc desmo engine pushes 162 horsepower and an asphalt-tearing 94 ft. lbs. of torque. For more streetability, the Diavel’s engine features revised intake and exhaust ports combined with radical adjustment of the cam timing have enabled Ducati to achieve a fantastic torque curve at low rpm, which remains strong through a wider rev-range.

Ducati says: “The increase in bottom-end torque is managed by Ducati’s Ride-by-Wire (RbW) system to considerably enhance the Diavel’s effortless ridability, while ensuring plenty of power remains on tap for high-rpm riding.” The desmo is hooked to a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch that features a “super-light” feel at the lever.

The engine breaths through Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection system with Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies and Ride-by-Wire, and massive 58mm exhaust headers the lead into a 2-1-2 system.

Ducati also used advanced materials and engineering on the Diavel’s engine, which allowed service intervals to be increased to 15,000 miles.

As for riding modes, the Diavel features three – Urban, which reduces power to 100 horespower and DTC to five for stop-and go traffic; Touring, which allows 162 horsepower administered at a user-friendly pace, and a level four DTC setting; and Sport, which releases all 162 horsepower with full-on throttle response, and a level 3 traction control for “riders who prefer their performance a little closer to the traction limit.”

The chassis features a Ducati Trellis frame for torsional rigidity and an aluminun single-sided swingarm. Up front, the Diavel utilizes 50mm Marzocchi forks that are fully adjustable. On the Dark and Carbon versions, these forks are DCL coated. Out back, Sachs rear suspension features a progressive pull-rod linkage from the swingarm that is also fully adjustable.

Stopping the Diavel are dual 320mm discs squeezed by Brembo Monoblock four-piston calipers up front, with a single 265mm disc out back squeezed by a two-piston caliper. The brakes are enhanced with the most compact, Ducati Bosch-Brembo ABS system as original equipment,

Ducati says: “Top Brembo components combined with Bosch ABS, the special Diavel chassis configuration and Pirelli’s Enhanced Patch Technology (EPT) result in a braking performance even greater than that of the awesome Ducati Superbikes.”

Styling is further enhanced by those huge lateral radiators on both sides of the Diavel. Speaking of these radiators, Ducati says: “The technical solution employed for keeping the frontal lines of the Diavel clean was to place two highly efficient lateral radiators on both sides of the bike.

“These well-ducted units, located beneath the fuel tank, use aerodynamics to help draw air flow through the radiators and are assisted by high-flow electric fans when required. The design combines form and function to enhance the muscular shape of the bike.”

Following are the specs and MSRP for the 2013 Ducati Diavel and Diavel Carbon.